Governor Otu Must Rise Above Petty Politics and Deliver on Governance

By: 3Comrade Obeten Okoi
(Central Voices)

Since the return of democracy in 1999, no Governor in Cross River State has enjoyed the level of goodwill and bipartisan support that Governor Bassey Otu currently commands. Yet, it is baffling that he continues to create political enemies where none exist. This pattern of behavior reflects not strength, but weakness.

Rather than take responsibility for his administration’s well-known lapses, Governor Otu often resorts to using emotional narratives to garner sympathy. He publicly attacks National Assembly members and Ministers from Cross River State, accusing them of undermining his government from Abuja when in truth, no such opposition exists. What seems to trigger his outbursts is the emergence of any individual perceived to enjoy public goodwill, which he immediately views as a threat.

This is a troubling trait for a leader of his stature. Prince Otu is undoubtedly a man of capacity and vision, but his consistent backing whether directly or by silence of appointees who go on the offensive against perceived political rivals does his image no good. Often, these surrogates act based on what the Governor might have subtly encouraged or failed to discourage.

Cross Riverians are not interested in endless political drama. What the people want are roads, schools, hospitals, jobs, and development. They want a Governor focused on performance, not paranoia. No one is fighting him yet he constantly talks about being under attack and appears threatened by shadows.

It’s time for Governor Otu to lead with confidence, rise above petty politics, and channel the goodwill he enjoys into tangible results. The state needs leadership, not endless distraction.